Hughenden Manor

Today we choose to stick close to the footpath. No running through wheat fields…you never know when those farmers might return and bite you on the bum, Mrs May! And for the most part, these footpaths are easy to follow.

Parking up at the Dashwood Mausoleum we walk through Hearnton Wood as far as Nobles Farm. The last time we were here it was a cold, misty October morning and the views were obscured. Today, as we drop down off the ridge we can see far up the Bradenham Valley towards Saunderton and Lacey Green. Bradenham is as picturesque as we remember it and we stop long enough to snap some pictures across the sloping village cricket pitch before the next hill, up onto Naphill Common. In fact the hills become a feature of this walk. The steepest, a climb into Theed Woods at Hughenden Valley, is a bit unfair when the weather’s this hot. Nevertheless we both make it to the top without complaining…neither of us wants to be the first to crack!

We skirt round Hughenden Manor, the country pile of a long dead (but not walking) Tory Prime Minister, before returning to the Dashwood Mausoluem and the car by way of Downley Common. In total 9.9 miles and all in all a great way to spend a Saturday morning in the sun. Any one interested in politics? No, me neither!